Unicameral and bicameral systems

1. Introduction

  1. The State Legislature is responsible for the law-making process in a state.
  2. India has a mix of unicameral and bicameral state legislatures, depending on the size and requirements of the state.
  3. The legislature can consist of one house (unicameral) or two houses (bicameral).

2. Unicameral Legislature

  1. A unicameral legislature consists of a single house, called the Legislative Assembly or Vidhan Sabha.
  2. Most Indian states have a unicameral system for simplicity and efficiency.
  3. The Legislative Assembly is directly elected by the people of the state.
  4. It plays the primary role in law-making and overseeing the executive.
  5. Examples of states with a unicameral legislature: Haryana, Punjab, Kerala.

3. Bicameral Legislature

  1. A bicameral legislature consists of two houses: the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) and the Legislative Council (Upper House).
  2. The Legislative Assembly is directly elected by the people, while the Legislative Council has members elected, nominated, or indirectly chosen.
  3. Only a few states have a bicameral system, primarily larger or historically significant states.
  4. Examples of states with a bicameral legislature: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
  5. The Legislative Council acts as a revising chamber, reviewing bills passed by the Assembly.

4. Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)

  1. The Legislative Assembly is the lower house in a bicameral legislature or the sole house in a unicameral system.
  2. Its members, known as MLAs, are directly elected by the people of the state.
  3. The term of the Assembly is typically five years, unless dissolved earlier.
  4. The Assembly has the power to pass laws, approve budgets, and control the executive.
  5. It also discusses matters of public importance and holds the government accountable.

5. Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)

  1. The Legislative Council is the upper house in a bicameral legislature.
  2. Its members, known as MLCs, are partly elected, partly nominated, and partly chosen by various constituencies.
  3. It is a permanent body, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
  4. The Council reviews and suggests changes to bills passed by the Assembly but cannot indefinitely block them.
  5. It represents specific groups like teachers, graduates, and local bodies.

6. Creation and Abolition

  1. The Constitution provides for the creation or abolition of a Legislative Council under Article 169.
  2. A state legislature can pass a resolution for the creation or abolition of the Council by a two-thirds majority.
  3. The Parliament must approve the resolution for it to take effect.

7. Powers and Functions

  1. The unicameral legislature exercises all legislative powers independently.
  2. In a bicameral system, the Legislative Assembly holds more power than the Council.
  3. The Assembly’s decisions are final in matters of finance and budget.
  4. The Legislative Council serves an advisory and revisory role but cannot veto laws indefinitely.

8. Advantages of a Unicameral System

  1. It is simpler and more cost-effective.
  2. Decisions are made more quickly as there is only one house.
  3. It avoids potential conflicts or delays between two houses.

9. Advantages of a Bicameral System

  1. It ensures better representation of diverse interests and groups.
  2. The Legislative Council provides a forum for experienced and knowledgeable individuals.
  3. It acts as a check on hasty or ill-considered legislation by the Assembly.

10. Challenges and Criticisms

  1. The Legislative Council is often criticized for being redundant and an unnecessary expense.
  2. In some cases, it has been used to provide political patronage rather than serve legislative purposes.
  3. The unicameral system may lack adequate checks and balances, especially in larger states.

11. Conclusion

The choice between a unicameral and bicameral system depends on the specific needs and circumstances of a state. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and their effectiveness largely depends on the commitment to democratic principles and governance.

Category
State Legislature
The State Government
Indian Polity and Governance
What is the term used to describe a state legislature with two houses?
Which Article of the Indian Constitution allows states to have a bicameral legislature?
In a bicameral legislature, what are the two houses called?
How many Indian states currently have a bicameral legislature?
What is the minimum strength of a Legislative Council in a bicameral state legislature?
Which of the following is not a state with a bicameral legislature?
The Legislative Assembly in a bicameral state is also referred to as what?
The Legislative Council in a bicameral state is also referred to as what?
The creation or abolition of a Legislative Council in a state is decided by which authority?
Which body recommends the creation or abolition of a Legislative Council?
What is the maximum strength of a Legislative Council?
Members of the Legislative Council are elected by which of the following methods?
Which Indian state was the first to establish a bicameral legislature?
Which body nominates members to the Legislative Council?
How long is the term of a member of the Legislative Council?
In a unicameral state legislature, which body has legislative powers?
Which state recently abolished its Legislative Council in 1985?
The procedure for abolishing a Legislative Council requires approval from which of the following?
Which Article of the Constitution provides for the unicameral legislature system in states?
What is the quorum for a meeting of the Legislative Assembly?
The Legislative Assembly is involved in the election of which office in India?
The Legislative Assembly in a unicameral state legislature is headed by whom?
Which body oversees the financial legislation in a bicameral legislature?
In a bicameral system, a bill must be passed by which bodies to become a law?
How many members can the Governor nominate to the Legislative Council?
What happens if the Legislative Council disagrees with a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly?
The Legislative Assembly primarily consists of members elected by whom?
Which of the following states does not have a unicameral legislature?
Who presides over the Legislative Council in a bicameral legislature?
In a bicameral legislature, financial bills must be introduced in which house?
Which house has more powers in a bicameral legislature?
In which state was the first Legislative Council abolished in independent India?